Football

Stonehill to Host “Henry Thevenin Kickoff Celebration”

Skyhawks football team will formally dedicate 2011 season in former teammate's honor during public ceremony

EASTON, Mass. (August 25, 2011) – Stonehill College will host the 2011 Henry Thevenin Kickoff Celebration at Merkert Gymnasium on Thursday, September 1, at 7 p.m. The Skyhawks football team will formally dedicate their 2011 season in honor of their former teammate who succumbed to leukemia on June 14.

The celebration, which is open to the public, will be named for the late Henry Thevenin, '14, as the Stonehill football team kicks off its 2011 season in his honor. The celebration will include the introduction of the Skyhawks starting lineup, statements from the team captains, head coach Robert Talley as well as a representative of the Thevenin family. The ceremony will be capped by members of the football team officially dedicating their season in Thevenin's memory as well as a moment's applause. Admission to the ceremony is free of charge and is sponsored by Campus Ministries, Student Activities and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"We are excited to kick off our 2011 season in this way," said Talley. "While I am sure there will be some emotional moments, this will be an uplifting event which was Henry's style and how he would want us to remember him."

Stonehill will kick off its season the following night when it hosts Curry College for a non-conference battle at W.B. Mason Stadium at 7 p.m. The Skyhawks FanZone will open at 5 p.m., with several activities and prizes planned. Prior to kickoff, there will be another moment of applause in Thevenin's memory. Admission to all Stonehill football games is $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for students and senior citizens, with children ages 12 and under admitted free of charge.

Information regarding the "Light the Night" Walk to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be available both nights with individuals being able to sign up for the walk or make donations. That event will be held on Thursday, October 13, at Boston Common with registration starting at 5 p.m. Interested individuals can sign up to walk or make pledges to "*Team H-Luv*" that has been formed in honor of Thevenin at both the "Henry Thevenin Kickoff Celebration" and Friday night's game.